The name Dresser derives from a few different sources. In some instances, it was a local surname, derived from a place named Dreshcer in the region of Thuringia. In the Holy Roman Empire, hereditary surnames derived from localities became increasingly widespread. Dresser was also an occupational surname derived from the word German word "drescher," which denotes a thresher of grain. As surnames began to be used, many adopted the name of their feudaloccupation as their surname.

Dresser Early Origins

The surname Dresser was first found in Thuringia, where the name emerged in mediaeval times as one of the notable families of the region. From the 13th century the surname was identified with the great social and economic evolution which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development of the nation.

Dresser Spelling Variations

Dresser Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Drescher, Dresch, Dresche, Dresher, Dresh, Dreshe, Dresher and many more.

Dresser Early History

Dresser Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dresser research. Another 175 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1533, 1580 and 1728 are included under the topic Early Dresser History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dresser Early Notables (pre 1700)

Dresser Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dresser Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Dresser Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

John Dresser, who arrived in Rowley, Massachusetts in 1643

Dresser Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Joseph David Dresser, aged 33, landed in Pennsylvania in 1738

Telman Dresser, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1773

Dresser Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

R Dresser, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1851

Contemporary Notables of the name Dresser (post 1700)

Contemporary Notables of the name Dresser (post 1700)

Mark Dresser (b. 1952), American double bass player and composer

Louise Dresser (1878-1965), born Louise Josephine Kerlin, an American actress active from 1922 to 1928

Paul Dresser (1857-1906), born Johann Paul Dreiser, Jr., an American singer, songwriter, and comedic actor, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970

Solomon Robert Dresser (1842-1911), American inventor and politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania (1903-1907)

Julius A. Dresser (1838-1893), American early leader in the New Thought movement

The Dresser Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Dresser Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.